Scenes from the Grind, 2023 - Sea Shepherd Global's Media Campaign. Images Courtesy of Sea Shepherd Global
Excerpt from a Newspaper, Faroe Islands, 2023, Regarding Sea Shepherd's Involvement in Fighting the Grind. From the Newspaper Sosialurin
Image Courtesy of Sea Shepherd Global
- SUMMONING THE POD -
Sea Shepherd has launched a second part to its direct action campaign: public involvement.
In recent years, many of their campaigns have appealed to the public. For example, the Stop the Grind Coalition centers around recruiting individuals and organizations around the world to increase pressure on the Faroese government. The Grind is a practice in the Faroe Islands involving the slaughtering of thousands of dolphins and pilot whales annually. However, with Sea Shepherd's efforts, awareness of the Grind has extended worldwide, and the Faroese government has begun to reconsider the legality of the Grind.
"This was anything but quick, professional, or humane, and the story of the Grindadrap being carried out by professionals with respect for nature and whales is a lie... This is why we need to keep exposing this until local voices decide enough is enough... This blatant disregard for the ocean's valuable life cannot go on at a time when the international community as a whole is working to protect it. Please support our work and follow the Stop The Grind Coalition as an individual or as an organization through the link in our bio."
-Excerpt from Sea Shepherd Global's Instagram Campaign Against the Grind (2023)
“Beyond the shocking cruelty of the Grind there are other very serious and concerning issues. It appears to be a largely unregulated Hunt with no quotas, no season and seemingly little or no oversight and governance. At a time when we are watching the collapse of eco systems, particularly worryingly so in our Oceans, we cannot treat important species this way. I have joined the stop the Stop the Grind coalition to tell the Faroese Government that enough is enough and it is time for the Grind to end.”
-Deborah Meaden, Business Leader and British TV Personality
"The annual slaughter of white sided dolphins and pilot whales on the Faroe Islands has always been an inhumane modern spectacle disguised as cultural heritage. This year in particular, the Grindadráp resulted in unprecedented killing and cruelty which has shocked the world, including the Faroese and Danish people. These beautiful animals play a key role in our marine ecosystems and should be left alone, full stop. Together with the Stop the Grind Coalition and many of my colleagues and fellow MEPs we are calling on the EU, the UK, the Faroese Government and all those with a stake in protecting these vulnerable cetaceans to put an end to the pointless slaughter."
-Grace O'Sullivan, Greens/EFA MEP for Ireland South
“I have joined the Stop the Grind Coalition because we have to come together to do something to stop this cruel and unacceptable practice. Whilst appreciating the cultural and historical significance to the Faroese people, they must recognise the widespread international concern and close this chapter in their history. This is critical to protecting the precious species of dolphins and whales in the Atlantic.”
-Chris Packham, Naturalist TV Presenter
Social Media Campaign Documenting the Grind. Courtesy of Sea Shepherd Global
In 2016, Sea Shepherd launched Sea Shepherd Dive, a network receiving reports of illegal or concerning activity in marine environments - all from private divers.
Sea Shepherd Dive Initiative, Images Courtesy of Sea Shepherd Spain
“Sea Shepherd Dive takes the world’s most effective marine conservation organization and joins forces with like-minded, environmentally conscious dive centers. This formation of a global report network will enable Sea Shepherd to have eyes on the ground in far flung destinations where wildlife crimes, habitat destruction and over-exploitation is occurring daily.”
-Gary Stokes, Sea Shepherd Dive Director
Sea Shepherd Global has over one million followers on Instagram, which is used to provide updates on Sea Shepherd's missions and encourage public awareness. Appeals for donations are also communicated via social networking; thus, Sea Shepherd has raised quite a movement.